Renovations at Greensburg Hempfield Area Library almost complete

After nine months of work, renovations at the 110-year-old Greensburg Hempfield Area Library nearing completion, officials said.

An exact date for when the project will wrap up has not yet been set.

Work began at the downtown Greensburg library in May and was initially expected to take four to six months to complete. Renovations consisted of updating mechanical, electrical and plumbing aspects of the building; repairing the roof and front stairs; repointing brick on the outside of the structure; adding two new circulation desks; and bringing the library up to code with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“As is the normal nature for renovation and building projects, this one has progressed steadily with only minor set-backs like delayed supplies, weather, inspections, etc.,” library spokeswoman Kimberly Tuscan said in an email to the Tribune-Review. “Nothing outstanding or unusual occurred. These are the expected ‘hiccups’ for any reno.”

The library has remained open throughout construction, with only minor interruptions to staff and patrons, Tuscan said.

Whenever possible, daytime work is scheduled for areas not frequented by the public. Most of the work is done while the library is closed.

The project is supported through a grant from the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, the state Department of Education and from monies provided by the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund. The grant, which is in conjunction with the City of Greensburg, was awarded in November.

In addition to the renovations, the library also received 80 donated pieces of furniture from the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. In all, the library received 12 tables, 60 chairs, pinwheel study carrels — tables with partitions that will be converted into computer stations — and soft, upholstered chairs for the children’s area.

“Our patrons are excited about the changes,” Tuscan said.